A Cuban woman living in the United States has become the pride of the diaspora after showcasing her lush ají cachucha plants on TikTok. Her video, which has garnered nearly 347,000 views, has sparked a flurry of comments from those who long for the unmistakable taste of Cuban cuisine.
Yaniris Díaz, who shares content under the username @yanirisdiaz_, uploaded a video tour of her home garden on Sunday. In it, she not only flaunts the bounty of her harvest but also provides a step-by-step guide to achieving such success: obtain seeds from an ají, plant them in a garden bed, and wait just a week to see the first sprouts.
"You want to grow this many peppers but can't figure it out, my dear. When I say quantity, I mean quantity," she remarks in the video while displaying her fruit-laden plants.
The key, according to Díaz, lies in the fertilizer. She demonstrates the specific product she uses in the video, recommending that viewers look for it at stores like Home Depot or any garden center. The results speak for themselves: lush plants, abundant with flowers, and a harvest that would make any Cuban far from the island nostalgic.
"The aroma of these little peppers is something else. Add one to your beans, and you'll have the best beans of your life," Yaniris declares with the enthusiasm of someone who truly appreciates what she has cultivated.
The ají cachucha is no ordinary ingredient. Belonging to the Capsicum chinense species, it boasts a sweet taste and fruity aroma with virtually no heat, yet it is essential in Cuban sofrito and iconic dishes like black beans, ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, and tamales. Outside the Caribbean, it’s hard to find, making it a culinary nostalgia symbol for exiled Cubans.
Beyond Pepper: A Garden of Cuban Heritage
Besides the ají cachucha, Yaniris’ garden features rosemary and culantro plants, two more staples of Cuban seasoning also showcased in the video, impressively thriving.
This isn't Díaz’s first viral moment among the Cuban community. Last June, a video about Cuban customs carried over to the U.S.—such as hosting an end-of-school-year party in true island fashion—surpassed 292,600 views. Her profile, a blend of gardening, cooking, and everyday life in the diaspora, has earned her a loyal following drawn to her connection with Cuban identity.
Her community is already responding: in the video’s comments, followers inspired by Yaniris’ previous videos share photos of their own harvests. She encourages them to keep at it: "Save this video and share it with your gardening friend so they can buy this fertilizer for their plants."
Yaniris has hinted at an upcoming full video from her garden to showcase its organization. Her followers, eagerly digging into their own gardens, await with anticipation.
Growing Ají Cachucha in the U.S.
What makes ají cachucha special in Cuban cuisine?
Ají cachucha is a key ingredient in Cuban cooking, known for its sweet taste and fruity aroma without the heat, making it essential for traditional dishes like sofrito, black beans, ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, and tamales.
How can I grow ají cachucha at home?
To grow ají cachucha, start by obtaining seeds from an ají, plant them in a garden bed, and use a specific fertilizer available at garden centers like Home Depot. Within a week, you should see the first sprouts.